Friday, 10 February 2017

Cruel Duck Killer Twisted Mallard's Neck

A street drinker caught on CCTV killing a female duck in front of her mate by the Thames received a suspended prison sentence today.

Robert Lyle Muir, 49, who lives in digs in Sandycombe Road, North Sheen was convicted of killing a wild bird, namely a female mallard, contrary to the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

A council CCTV operator was filming a group sitting by Richmond Riverside near Heron Square at 6.15pm on May 25, last year when Glaswegian Muir grabbed the bird and twisted her neck.

He was investigated by the Metropolitan Police’s Wildlife Crime Unit, but made no comment when questioned and tried to lie his way out of it during the trial by claiming the duck was injured.

Muir was sentenced to twelve weeks imprisonment, suspended for twelve months and must complete a twenty-day rehabilitation activity requirement aimed at tackling his drinking.

He must pay £300 costs and a £115 victim surcharge, which will be deducted at the rate of £5 a week from his Employment Support Allowance benefit payments.

“It was very unpleasant,” magistrate Ms Jane Spencer told him. “The offence took place in daylight with members of the public present and you did not hesitate in your actions and threw the duck to one side afterwards.

“It paints an unpleasant picture.”

Prosecutor Miss Mary Atere told Wimbledon Magistrates Court: “The circumstances being that this offence happens in Richmond Riverside and this defendant was intoxicated at the time.

“The entire incident is captured via CCTV.

“Richmond Riverside is frequented by numerous members of the public and this incident happened in broad daylight.

“The defendant is seen with a group of street drinkers on a grassy bank and one of the group is identified throwing bread at the birds to entice them over.

“At the point the ducks come over the defendant is seen leaning over and grabbing one of the ducks by the neck.

“He’s captured using both his hands to wring the neck of the duck and immediately discard it in front of him.

“From the CCTV footage some of the group appear distressed and get up.”

The duck, which was probably nesting eggs at that time of year, was finished off with a second wring of the neck and tossed into a plastic bag.

Her male mate, who had just flown across the Thames with her to gather food, was far more cautious and did not go near the group.